The Ames Covenant In the love of truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God The Herald and the service of humankind. SUMMER 2011 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 11 Summer Services: August 2011 In this issue: Pg. First Church in Salem & First Universalist Society in Salem (FUSS)

Summer Schedule 2 ALL SERVICES TO BE HELD AT THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY, 211 BRIDGE STREET Renovation/Meeting Calendar 2 ***ALL SERVICES START AT 10 AM*** Stewardship News 2 Sun, August 7 The First Church will hold our annual Founders’ Day Service. The Rev. Acknowledgements 3 Jeff Barz-Snell and the Rev. Marjorie Matty will co-lead a celebration of Music News 4 the amazing history and legacy of and Universalism here in Salem. The morning of Founders' Day will begin with a special proces- From Stewardship 4 sional that will start here at the First Church in Salem and then proceed down Essex Street to Townhouse Square (the site of our original build- From Henny Penny 4 ing almost four centuries ago) and then over to the First Universalist Star Island Trip Recap 5 Church on Bridge Street. Please join us at the First Church on Essex Street at 9:30am if you would like to process that morning. Service at Project Update Press 6&7 FUSS begins at 10am.

The Spear in My Heart 8 Sun, August 14 First Church member Claire Donaldson will preach. Claire is a longtime By Rose Wolf member of the First Church, a former Chair of the Standing Committee and a graduate of Boston University School of Theology. We welcome her back to the pulpit. Don’t Forget the Mission ... Although things tend to be Sun, August 21 The Rev. Dr. Tom Wintle will preach. Tom is the minister of the First quieter at the First Church Parish Church in Weston and a longtime leader of the UU Christian Fel- during the summer, the needs lowship. He has preached at the First Church many times. of our community still go on. If you can, please volunteer at Sun, August 28 First Church member Dr. Rose Wolf will preach. Rose is a member of Lifebridge (the Salem Mission) the First Church and the local pagan community and has led services at on the second Wednesday or the First Church several times before. fourth Saturday of the month. Just contact the church office Sun, September 4 Labor Day Weekend. No service scheduled. to sign up. Sun, September 11 Our Annual Homecoming and Rally Sunday. Join us as we kick off our new season with our sister church in town, The First Universalist Soci- ety. Jeff Barz-Snell and Marjorie Matty will co-lead a Water Communion Service (details below). The service will include a moment of silence and special music to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. All those attending are invited to bring some water from your summer vacations and excursions for the Water Communion. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations hold a water communion at the end of the summer, in which participants of all ages bring "living waters" from wherever their travels led them and mingle them for later use by the congregation in ceremonies. Please collect a small vial or container of water on your next trip and bring it with you to the joint Homecom- ing Day/Rally Service on Sunday, September 11. Page 2 The Herald, Summer 2011

Schedule of Events Key Dates & Information for Renovation and ALL SERVICES ARE BEING HELD AT FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCI- FC (First Church)/FUSS (First Universalist) ETY OF SALEM (FUSS) AT 211 BRIDGE STREET DUE TO RENO- VATION PROJECT. WE WILL RETURN TO FIRST CHURCH IN Services LATE FALL. ALL SERVICES BEGIN AT 10AM WATCH THIS TIMELINE FOR WORK CALLS

August 2 Subject to changes and updates as they become available Alliance Luncheon, Noon [Anita Hill Room @ FUSS]

August 7 - Founder’s Day Every Sunday Service at 10am, Rev. Jeff Barz-Snell & Rev. Marjorie Construction Meeting Matty preaching Tuessday Joint RE Meeting between FUSS and FC after Fellowship July 5 Building permit received

August 9 Henny Penny moved from FC to their new July 14 Alliance Luncheon, Noon [Anita Hill Room @ FUSS] temporary home on Jefferson Ave.

July 26- August 10 Essex Builders begins site preparation Lifebridge (Salem Mission) Dinner at 4:45 pm 28 Joint Meeting with FC Standing Cmte and First Universalist • Archives partially moved into Board of Trustees at FUSS Meetinghouse

August 14 July • RE moved to FUSS Sunday Service at 10am, FC Member Claire Donaldson • Admin Office moved to Cleveland preaching Room

August 16 Week of Essex Builders will begin outdoor excava- Alliance Luncheon, Noon [Anita Hill Room @ FUSS] August 1 tion. August 21 Sunday Service at 10am, Rev. Dr. Tom Wintle preaching • Founder’s Day: Procession from FC to FUSS with service at First Universalist August 7 August 23 • Joint RE Committee Meeting of FC Alliance Luncheon, Noon [Anita Hill Room @ FUSS] and FUSS August 28 Joint Meeting with FC Standing Cmte and August Sunday Service at 10am, FC Member Dr. Rose Wolf preach- First Universalist Board of Trustees at 10 ing FUSS

August 30 Alliance Luncheon, Noon [Anita Hill Room @ FUSS]

September 9 RE Family Mixer at FUSS, 6:30pm

September 11: Homecoming and Rally Sunday Water Communion Service, 10am (see details page 1)

SUMMER SERVICES The First Church will host summer services at the First Universal- ist (FUSS), beginning Sunday, August 7, with our annual Foun- ders' Day Service. The First Universalist is located at 211 Bridge Street in Salem. Parking is free on Sundays in the Church Street lot and street meters. If you are in need of closer parking there is an accessible parking lot right outside of FUSS accessible en- trance on the corner of Bridge Street and Ash Street. Items being stored in the Meetinghouse during renovation. The Herald Summer 2011 Page 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Fellowship Thanks to everyone who hosted or sponsored Fellowship in June: June 12: Jen Barz-Snell & Mary Krigbaum June 19: The Women of the First Church June 26: Peter Copelas, Jr.

We are excited about having fellowship at FUSS (First Universalist Society) starting in September. On September 11 there will be a joint FC/FUSS picnic after church at Forest River Park (everyone please bring something) to begin our time together. There we will ask you to sign up on a fellowship sheet (similar to how ours is done at First Church). More suggestions will follow about our shared fellowship.

If you have any questions please email the church office at [email protected] or call 978.744.1551.

Flowers

Thank you to Mimi Ballou, The Kane Family and Christiane Hansen-Mitev and The Deacons of the First Church for their donations of flowers during the month of June.

You can sign up for August—and beyond by phoning or emailing the church office: 978-744-1551/[email protected]. Special wording can be placed in our weekly Order of Service in honor or memory or a loved one, or to commemorate an important event. You can use the church florist for a cost of $45, or bring your own creation. Arrangements can be simple or elaborate — the choice is yours!

Lifebridge (The Salem Mission) Thanks to the following who signed up to volunteer to shop or to serve in June: George and Ellen Brandenburg, Duncan and Cynthia Cox, Alan Hanscom, Sally Holtzman, Russell Lane, Peter LeBlanc, Richard L'heureux, Betty Nichols, Lynn Taggart

Volunteers are needed on a monthly basis at Lifebridge (the Salem Mission). Members and friends of the First Church serve dinner twice a month—on the second Wednesday and on the fourth Saturday, 4:45–6:45 pm. You can help out by shopping, cooking or serving dinner that night, or both—the choice is yours! Contact the church office at 978-744- 1551/[email protected]

Please note: The only July-August coverage we'll need will be the 2nd Wednesday of August. We do still need a few volunteers for Wednesday August 10, at 4:30 p.m. at Lifebridge, 58 Margin St, Salem. This is the coop- erative dinner served by UU Marblehead and First Universalist. Contact Duncan Cox, [email protected], 978-745-6207 if you are interested.

Chalice Lighters and Readers Thanks to those who served as Chalice Lighters and Readers during services in June:

June 5: Natalie Jaeger June 19: Deb DiGiulio June 26: Peter A. Copelas Page 4 The Herald, Summer 2011

From the Music Director From the Stewardship Committee

Summer, glorious summer, is when we’re all on vacation with Summer Giving — Although the church is a little quieter nothing to do but play and relax and enjoy the steamy weather, in the summer, the bills still have to be paid! Please re- isn’t that right? Well, I think that used to be true. When you’re member the church in your summer financial planning, in upheaval mode, however, as at First Church in Salem, and especially during the month of August when we join the the church world is about to go topsy-turvey for the next few Universalist church for their services. Summer contribu- months, the concept of vacation is just a bit elusive. So many tions help the Treasurer to avoid dipping into our rainy wonderful things happening and so much to do, all to be done day fund to pay for operating expenses. Thank you in ad- by yesterday. vance.

As to the musical part of this moving-construction-planning cum worship to happen, things get just a wee bit dicey; yet, Respectfully Submitted: and I’ll admit it, pretty exciting. The First Church Music Com- mittee has met with the First Universalist Society of Salem Bill Henning; Joe Deegan; Eric Kenney; (FUSS) Music group and we’ve been putting together a sched- Robyn Knights-Giannopolo; Steve Palmer ule of events for these next few months, with the cooperation From Henny Penny of our minister and Reverend Mattie from FUSS. This is all by Greetings, way of an explanation of the above-mentioned elusiveness of this year’s summer vacation time. We are pleased to announce that Henny Penny has secured a temporary location for the 2011-2012 school year. Our pro- We’re already planning services which, for us will start August gram will move to 247 Jefferson Avenue, the former loca- 7, when we host August services at FUSS. The August 7 ser- tion of Creature Comforts Grooming Services and the Little vice, however, being the First Church Founders Day celebra- Darlings Preschool. We are so thankful for the support and tion will take on a special aura as it will be as well our first joint assistance on behalf of Reverend Barz-Snell, William Hen- worship with FUSS. It looks like the plan will be to process ning, Maria Buckley, Lynn Taggart, Jessica Kane and many our congregation from 316 Essex Street to our new temporary others. Barbara and I are especially grateful to William Hen- location at the FUSS to enjoy what promises to be a very ning for lending his negotiating skills and Maria for provid- meaningful morning service. ing legal assistance. These people made it all possible and This means that yours truly will try to muster the choir forces ultimately facilitated the signing of our lease and for that we of both churches (i. e. beg choir members to come out of va- are so thankful (not to mention VERY relieved). cation mode) to join in this collaboration. Our summer continues with scheduled playdates each week We’ve established that choir services for 8/7 and then begin- at local playgrounds throughout Salem. This provides a ning 9/11 on a regular schedule will include 2 hymns and 2 wonderful opportunity for the kids and parents to enjoy the musical segments each time, much less concern than what has company of their old pals, as well as to meet many new faces been our regular format of 3 hymns and 4 musical segments, of the children and families that will be joining us in Septem- plus a sung benediction. ber for the very first time. To that end, I am busily trying to come up with selections that Enjoy the last bit of lazy summer days with your family and will work for this first service. Starting September 11 (which friends. will be our first official joint choir Sunday), we have worked out a schedule rotating choir leadership between churches Kerry and Barbara which should work nicely. You will receive more info on this schedule in the September issue of the Herald.

So, for now, I hope to see many of you on August 7 (hoping as well to dispel the notion that UU’s don’t pray in the summer!!!)

See you in church, and remember that church is wherever we all are.

Paul Madore First Church Choir. Photo Credit: Joan Walker Hannah Page 5 The Herald, Summer 2011

MAGICAL MOMENTS WITH MOTHER NATURE The First Church Trip to Star Island By Jim Ognibene

Stop for a moment. Put the schedule aside. Turn off the computer. Silence the cell phone. Accept the invitation of Mother Nature. The penetrating warmth of the summer sun is one of the most tempting reasons to partake in the many gifts of the summer sea- son. That is exactly what we did! Thirty five members and friends of First Church shared a day together at Star Island with Mother Nature and other island goers on Sunday, July 17th. We carpooled from the Salem area to the dock in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and traveled by ferry six miles out to Star Island in the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. We got to enjoy a gorgeous summer day of clear blue skies, casually explore the retreat and conference facilities, hear local legend and chat up cool and casual conversations with fellow day trippers as we discovered the island terrain under the July summer sun. After our arrival on the island, George and Ellen Brandenburg, our trip guides, gave us a walking tour and brief history lesson in- cluding local folklore and other fun and interesting facts. Around mid day, we scattered about to find places to enjoy a picnic lunch. There was a smorgasbord of delectable delights going from blanket to blanket. One of the big hits was Tiffany Magnolia’s Spicy Molasses cookies. (She has shared her recipe in this issue of the Herald – thank you, Tiffany!). After lunch we had a few hours to meander as our hearts desired. Several wandered the rugged and rustic halls of the Oceanic House. Others sat in wooden rocking chairs on the expansive porch overlooking the sun glistened, pristine sea. Some went for walks on the rocky shoreline, swam and waded in knee-deep water, while still others took rest in the shade of the gazebo near the Oceanic House. The three o’clock ferry back gave us the opportunity to mix and mingle a bit more on our way back to the mainland. The group offers a hearty thank you to George and Ellen Brandenberg for bringing this trip from idea to implementation and serv- ing as gracious hosts. We thank Mother Nature for providing a beautiful summer day and sharing her Spirit through sun, ocean, wind, rock, sand, birds, flower and fauna. For the members and friends of the First Church, it was a great day of casual, im- promptu conversations. We were able to stop, (experience a day without our computers!), relax, and enjoy the gifts of nature, each other and summertime. Namaste.

Spicy Molasses Cookies ~Tiffany Magnolia

Adapted from the King Arthur Flour Cookie Cookbook Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup molasses 2 cups sugar (more for coating) 1 tsp salt 3 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp alspice 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 large egg

Melt butter in a saucepan with molasses, sugar and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in spices. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Slowly add cooled butter/sugar mixture while beating. After all butter mix is added mix in egg. Mix whole dough until thoroughly combined, about 1-2 minutes. Put dough in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Shape dough into balls roughly an inch and a half. Roll balls in sugar and place on baking sheet with space in between. Bake cookies fro 13 minutes. They will be soft, but will harden upon cooling. Let them cool for 5 minutes on paper or baking sheet before transferring to wire rack to cool. Store in open air container for crisper cookies or in covered container for softer cookies. Makes 3 dozen. Page 6 The Herald, Summer 2011

PROJECT UPDATE Essex Builders Corp. features the First Church renovation in their email update. Design team Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc have prepared the construction documents. Read more below.

Essex Builders to Construct New Addition at The First Church in Salem, Unitarian

Essex Builders Corp. has been selected by The First Church in Salem, Unitarian, as its Construction Manager for a new addition and interior renovation. Architect of Record, Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc. prepared construction documents reflecting a mandate from the church's Master Planning Committee. The main goals are to provide universal access, achieved by em ploying an elevator w ithin the new addition with an at- grade entrance; and the installation of a new heating system, which reflects the church's commitment to conservation and sustainable energy values. Other elements of the design focus on improving areas ancillary to the Meetinghouse, for the benefit of community programs which include a pre-s chool.

"Being good stewards of our church and the earth are duties that we em brace with enthusiasm," the Rev. Jeff Barz-Snell explained. "Our congregation is blessed with many conscientious volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this project into the construction phase, and in a manner that reflects our core values of community and sustainability. Our Master Plan & Implementation Committee should be commended for the manner in which it has managed this process."

"Our design firm specializes in historic restoration and addressing challenges presented by landmark legacies such as this beautiful building," explained Lynne Spencer, principal at Menders, Torrey & Spencer. "Our final design reflects this church's historic pedigree and yet permits the congregation to better utilize the building in concert with current codes and ordinances, making it accessible to all while respecting the heritage of the Meetinghouse."

David O'Neil, President of Essex Builders ec hoed Ms. Spencer's enthusiasm. "Our company has established a reputation for placing the needs of its clients first and foremost. It truly is a privilege to be entrusted with completing this special assignment."

The First Church in Salem, Unitarian, established in 1629, is one of the oldest continuing Protes tant churches in North America.

Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc. of Boston, offers a complete range of professional design services.

Essex Builders Corp. is a full service merit shop General Contractor / Construction Manager located in Westwood, Massachusetts. Focused markets include: retail; industrial; commercial office; healthcare; assisted living; affordable housing; education and religious clients.

Page 7 The Herald, Summer 2011

PROJECT UPDATE (continued) Article featured in Salem Evening News on Friday July 22, 2011: http://www.salemnews.com Images of clean up and preparation for renovation. THE HERALD

A Publication of The First Church in Salem, Unitarian 316 Essex Street Salem, Massachusetts 01970

Phone and Fax: 978-744-1551 Email: [email protected] www.firstchurchinsalem.org

Minister: Reverend Jeffrey Barz-Snell Director of Music: L. Paul Madore Director of Henny Penny: Kerry Martin Director of Religious Education: Deb DiGiulio Chair of the Standing Committee: Lynn Taggart Archivist: Kristin Kobialka Administrator: Catherine Bertrand Sexton: Joe Perron

One of the Oldest Protestant Churches Gathered in North America, since 1629

THE SPEAR in MY HEART: The Passion Play in Witch Ritual TAILTIU: A year have I worked--a year today-- “’Ah! The spear in my heart! No-I must have been dreaming...’”-- To clear the trees and the stones away. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring LUGH: Mother, you’ve labored hard and alone-- An unusual seasonal drama is featured in Now this land is ready for crops to be sown! many Witch rituals and truly forms their heart. This so-called “passion play” brings TAILTIU: Nay, I’ve not labored harder than you to life a sabbat by portraying the deities Who taught the folk weaving and crafts, my Lugh. associated with it. LUGH: Now perhaps there’ll be time for sports and feats-- One Lughnasadh (LU-nah-sah, August 1st), TAILTIU: --But first the people need to eat! I wrote the Passion Play for our group; I I doubt I shall live to see such games. . . was also privileged to act the part of Tailtu (TELL-chu), the goddess celebrated LUGH: But the blood of Danu is in your frame! at that time. This Celtic Queen, though half faery, died after single-handedly clearing TAILTIU: Even Fae may die and return to dust-- the land so her people might have food. And, if this land is to live, I must. Heartbroken, Tailtiu’s foster “sun,” the solar god Lugh (LU), declared I have given all I have to give-- a day of observance to honor her memory. Shine on them, son, and let them live!

LUGH: Oh, Mother, Mother! What shall we do-- I let the characters behave as might any human mother and her boy, We, who are now bereft of you? walking and talking of labors past and hopes for the future. I shall From now until all Time is gone, never forget the feeling of impending death and the fear that my Your memory shall linger on-- people would fail as I sank to my knees, beseeching my son to This day my name shall always bear, guard them. No mere dream of the Otherworld, the Passion Play’s Though for your honor. This I swear! drama is the “objet dart” that can pierce our hearts with light like the very Spear of Lugh. --ROSE WOLF